Arizona officials gather to honor Hopi Code Talkers

Eight of the code talkers served in the Army and two served with the Army Air Corps during World War II. None are alive today.

State and tribal officials, along with veterans plan to gather at the Hopi Veterans Memorial Center in Kykotsmovi (Key COATS’ moh vee) for a presentation of a state resolution celebrating the men’s military efforts.

A bronze plaque at the veterans center pays tribute to the Hopi Code Talkers whose language confounded the Japanese and contributed to the liberation of the South Pacific islands.

The Hopi chairman has said he would like to have the Hopi Code Talkers honored the same way as their Navajo counterparts — with congressional medals.